PRESS RELEASE

CMP signs cooperation agreements with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Argentinian Forensic Anthropology Team

(Nicosia, 10 April 2017) The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus is pleased to announce the signing of two separate Memoranda of Understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Argentinian Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF).

Building on a cooperation with the ICRC that dates back to the creation of the CMP the newly signed Memorandum reflects the CMP’s growing importance as an example of best practice to other countries dealing with missing persons as a result of armed conflict. Through the agreement, the CMP will work closely with the ICRC to bring decision-makers and forensic practitioners from countries in the Middle East and beyond to Cyprus in order to gain first hand impressions of the CMP’s work and receive training in forensic archaeology and anthropology as well as psychosocial support.

Recognized as being among the most experienced forensic experts specializing in missing persons, EAAF scientists have been instrumental in building the CMP’s scientific and operational capacity from 2006 to 2008. Since then, they have been the Committee’s principal scientific advisers. With the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the CMP and the EAAF take their cooperation to a new level by joining forces to create a permanent training capacity in the CMP that will enable CMP scientists to work alongside EAAF experts in the training of groups of forensic practitioners from the Middle East region and beyond.

The ICRC and the EAAF have a long-standing cooperation in providing support to people who are facing the consequences of disappearances resulting from armed conflict or other situations. The CMP is pleased to lend support and expertise to their efforts to ease the suffering of families of missing persons.